Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (2024)

This is the best part of any holiday dinner. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is what everyone looks forward to! You can make it in a mini baking dish to serve two for a small holiday menu, or you can double it and bake it in an 8-inch square casserole dish. Whatever you do (and I have directions for both below), keep your eye on the marshmallows as they toast so that they don't burn! And yes, there really is an egg in the filling--this is what makes it fluffy and light!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (1)

This Sweet Potato Marshmallows Casserole Recipe will change your life

If you think sweet potato casserole is just mashed sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows, lean in, because I need to teach you the way.

Sweet potato casserolecontains mashed sweet potatoes, but it also contains other ingredients that make it puff up and so fluffy. Twos whole egg in this casserole makes the sweet potatoes light and fluffy, almost like a soufflé. The milk and butter make it super creamy, and the addition of vanilla makes it border on dessert.

It's not your fault if you've been served bad sweet potato casserole in your life, and it's also not your fault if you've been the one serving it. The only good sweet potato casserole recipe in the world comes from Southern Living. All other recipes can exit stage left. Burn your recipe cards; memorize this recipe.

I know it sounds extreme (and it also sounds like I'm talking about my Southern Cornbread Dressing recipe), but sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and Southern Cornbread Dressing are two recipes that are sacred to me, and I will not tolerate renditions or bad versions. You're either with me or you're not.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (2)

You'll notice my sweet potato casserole doesn't contain cinnamon or any other spices, except vanilla. In my experience, those spices compete with the marshmallow flavors. Vanilla heightens the flavors of the marshmallows, and the two work together to create a sweet potato cloud. It's HEAVEN. If you feel you must, you can add a half-teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Sweet Potato Casserole ingredients

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (3)

Sweet Potatoes. It's best to start with whole sweet potatoes. You need one pound for a small baking dish, or two pounds for an 8" square baking dish that serves 4-6.

Granulated Sugar.

Butter. Unsalted butter preferably, because we're adding salt to this recipe. Melt the butter just before starting on the recipe, and let it cool slightly to the side.

Milk. Whole milk is best.

Egg. One large egg.

Vanilla Extract.

Marshmallows.You can use a mix of mini and large marshmallows, or all of the same. If you use large ones, be sure to snip them in half.

How to make Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (4)
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (5)

First, prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork, and roast them in a 400-degrees Fahrenheit oven for 40-50 minutes, or until soft. When you poke a skinny sharp knife all the way to the center of the sweet potato, it should be soft and yielding. The skin of the potatoes will start collapsing. Be sure the sweet potatoes are all the way cooked before proceeding. Let them cool for 20 minutes before attempting to handle.

Once the potatoes are done cooking, lower the oven to 350-degrees F. While the potatoes cool, whisk together the sugar, butter, milk, melted butter, vanilla and salt. Whisk together VERY well.

Next, scoop out the sweet potatoes and add them to the bowl with everything else. Use a spatula or hand mixer to beat the sweet potatoes into the mixture.

Test the temperature of the mixture, and if it feels barely lukewarm, it's time to add the eggs. Do not add the eggs if the mixture is hot. Instead, let it rest on the counter while occasionally mixing to cool.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (8)
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (9)

Next, spread the mixture into the baking dish that you're using. Bake this for 20 minutes. Up to this point, you can make this up a day ahead of time. (See below for full instructions on making this ahead of time).

About 10 minutes before you want to serve this, sprinkle the marshmallows on top. Slide back into the oven for 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the marshmallows don't burn! Mini marshmallows toast faster than larger ones.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (10)

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe notes

If you want a small batch, I can help you! I have made this small batch sweet potato casserole in a mini (the same one that I used for my Southern Chocolate Cobbler). I use this oval 0.6L oven-safe baking dish when I want to serve two.

Basically, all I did was scale down the filling and adapt it for this small baking dish for two. While the original recipe calls for 2 whole eggs for over 4 pounds of potatoes, I used one whole egg for 1 pound of potatoes. The egg is what makes the filling super fluffy! Also, I promise it cooks completelyin the oven.

See the recipe card below for exact notes on how to make this serve two for your Thanksgiving for Two thing.

This recipe also belongs in my roundup of Thanksgiving Recipes: Sides!

Sweet Potato and Marshmallows Casserole FAQs

How to make sweet potato casserole ahead of time:

You can make this casserole ahead of time up through step 4. Let it cool, cover it with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. On the day you want to serve it, place it in a 350-degree F oven for 30 minutes to warm it through. Then, 10 minutes before you want to serve it, add the marshmallows on top. Slide it back into the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the marshmallows toast and turn lightly golden brown. As marshmallows sit, they dissolve fully into sugar. So, if you add and toast the marshmallows too soon, they will melt and dissappear! Warm the casserole through and add the marshmallows just 10 mintues before serving for best results with this recipe!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is for an 8x8" pan, but you can double it exactly and bake it in a 9x13" pan for a bigger Thanksgiving celebration. To make it for two, check the recipe card for ingredient amounts, and bake it in this small casserole dish.

How to store Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

If you have leftovers, cover in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The marshmallows will slowly disappear, which just means they have melted into the sweet potatoes. They still taste amazing. If you want to top with more marshmallows and toast, you can!

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for casserole?

In my opinion, it is much better to bake sweet potatoes that will be used for a casserole. This is because baking concentrates the flavors, while boiling adds water to the vegetable. We want creamy, fluffy casseroles, not soggy ones!

Why do you put eggs in sweet potato casserole?

Eggs provide two things: emulsion and lift. Eggs bind all of the casserole ingredients together, and when eggs are baked, they rise and puff up in the oven. Eggs are key to a great casserole.

Are yams the same as sweet potatoes?

Yams are actually a different genus than sweet potatoes. Yam skin is brown, and yams are typically longer and skinnier than sweet potatoes. Both yams and sweet potatoes can be any color (white, orange, red, or purple).

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope your turkey is moist, your sweet potatoes are fluffy, your dressing is perfect, your gravy is smooth, and your cranberry sauce is tangy!

Other sides you might like:

-Broccoli Rice Casserole

-Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

-Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

-Green Bean Casserole

More Favorites from Dessert for Two

  • Vegan Birthday Cake Recipe
  • Monster Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Easy Chicken Parmesan
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Recipe
  • Recipe for Chicken Fried Steak
  • Brownie Dip with Cream Cheese

Yield: 6

Sweet Potato Marshmallows Casserole Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (11)

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows in 8-inch square dish. You can double it for a 9x13 dish.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time55 minutes

Total Time1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400, and gather ingredients. Line a sheet pan with foil, and place the sweet potatoes on it. Prick them with a fork, and then bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on their size. Test with a fork to ensure they're done--their skins will start to collapse when they're soft. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven.
  2. Lower the oven temp to 350, and let the sweet potatoes cool for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together the sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Peel the sweet potatoes and add them to the bowl. Stir and mash everything together to combine. Finally, stir in the egg.
  4. Spread the mixture into a small 20-ounce (0.6L) baking dish, and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the baking dish, scatter the marshmallows on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the marshmallows toast and become lightly golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

To make this ahead of time: You can make this casserole ahead of time up through step 4. Let it cool, cover it with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. On the day you want to serve it, place it in a 350-degree F oven for 30 minutes to warm it through. Then, 10 minutes before you want to serve it, add the marshmallows on top. Slide it back into the oven for 5-10 minutes, until the marshmallows toast and turn lightly golden brown. As marshmallows sit, they dissolve fully into sugar. So, if you add and toast the marshmallows too soon, they will melt and dissappear! Warm the casserole through and add the marshmallows just 10 mintues before serving for best results with this recipe!

You can make this serve two in a small 0.6L baking dish (linked below) using these measurements and the same cooking time: 1 pound sweet potatoes, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1 large egg, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 362Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 340mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 5gSugar: 37gProtein: 6g

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows Recipe - Dessert for Two (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for casserole? ›

You can bake or boil your sweet potatoes for sweet potato casserole. If you're baking them, make sure a sharp knife can slide easily through to the middle of the sweet potato after cooking. If you're boiling, make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into equally sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

Why add eggs to sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy.

How do you thicken a sweet potato casserole? ›

The casserole needs at least 15-20 minutes to cool before serving. The casserole sets up as it cools. However, if you prefer a really thick sweet potato casserole, you can add about 2-3 tablespoons of flour to your sweet potato batter and this will help the mixture to thicken.

Is sweet potato casserole considered a desert? ›

Many contend the traditional southern dish is 100 percent a dessert, because its served in a pie crust. But others argue sweet potatoes are vegetables, regardless of the crust, and nobody considers meat pies dessert.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The theory is that soaking draws out starch from inside the potatoes, helping them crisp up. I've tested soaking sweet potato fries many times, and I've found that it doesn't make them much crispier, if at all.

What makes sweet potatoes taste better? ›

Toss the sweet potatoes in oil and seasonings.

A couple tablespoons of oil will give the potatoes those caramelized and crispy edges we crave. And a little shake of savory spices like cumin, paprika and garlic powder take them next level. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.

How do you make a casserole taste better? ›

Add fresh chilli and coriander to a simple casserole to spice it up. Always add hardy, fresh herbs such as bay leaves and rosemary at the beginning of cooking, and throw in lighter herbs, such as parsley and tarragon, at the end so they keep their flavour.

Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›

While both are sweet sides, they are different. Sweet potato casserole involves mashing the potatoes, turning them into a custard of sorts, and then topping them with marshmallows and/or pecans before baking. We don't do any of this when making candied sweet potatoes!

How do you know when your sweet potato casserole is done? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

Why are my sweet potatoes still hard after baking? ›

If the potato is still firm when squeezed, that means it needs to cook more. Baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat for 2 minutes in the microwave, at 400°F in the air fryer for 5 minutes, or at 400°F in the oven for 10 minutes.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not stringy? ›

To de-string your sweet potatoes simply whisk them together using the whisk attachment on your hand mixer or Kitchen Aide before adding your your other ingredients. Happy Baking!

What variety of sweet potato is best for casserole? ›

Orange sweet potatoes are excellent for baking, roasting or in casseroles. Orange sweet potato varieties include the Covington, Belleview and Beauregard.

What's the difference between yams and sweet potato pie? ›

But the taste is what's most surprising. Drier and less creamy than sweet potatoes, yams are hardly sweet. They have more of an earthy, neutral taste. In fact, a yam's flesh, in both texture and flavor, is more similar to a russet potato than a sweet potato.

Is sweet potato the same as yams? ›

Yams and sweet potatoes differ in flavor and appearance, and they are not related. Sweet potatoes are in the morning glory family, while yams belong to the lily family. Yams aren't as sweet as sweet potatoes, and they are starchier and drier. Their texture and flavor are more similar to potatoes or yuca.

Is boiling or baking sweet potatoes better? ›

However, the peel's nutrition really takes a hit when baked, which wipes out over two thirds of the antioxidants, whereas microwaving or boiling are comparatively much gentler. The same is true for the rest of the sweet potato. Baking can also cause an 80% drop in vitamin A levels, twice as much as boiling.

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for pie? ›

Many recipes for sweet potato pie call for steaming or boiling the sweet potatoes before making the filling. This leads to water-logged sweet potatoes. Instead, baking sweet potatoes whole concentrates their flavor and sweetness.

Is it better to bake or boil potatoes? ›

Health benefits of baked potatoes

Fibre is crucial for digestive health, and consuming the skin can provide a significant amount. Moreover, baked potatoes contain more potassium per serving than boiled ones, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Why are my oven sweet potatoes soggy? ›

4. Don't Overcrowd Your Baking Sheet. The secret to crispy (instead of soggy) sweet potato fries is to spread them out in an even layer with enough room so that they don't touch. This is especially important if you're making a big batch of fries.

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